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Is it the MB the culprit here? 5

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javierdl

javierdl

IS-IT--Management
Apr 21, 2002
243
CA
This is the taughest case I've had so far.
The 2 main problems are:

1. Many files cannot be copied during the copying-files part of the setup (right after running "winnt.exe" from the i386 folder (under DOS).

2. And when finally under a different attempt, it succeeds copying all files without a problem...it freezes right when it says: "Setup is starting Windows 2000" (really?!!!) -

The following URL will show you at what stage of the installation of XP and/or 2k the setup stalls/freezes:


At this point I suspect the problem is the mb, because by now I have already moved the HD into my own computer, and successfully installed XP there, but when moving the HD back to its original PC it wouldn't be able to load WinXP (the screen was solid black). I also moved this HD into a third pc, and it didn't work either.
I have also swapped its CDrom with mine, but it keeps giving the same results, so I know now the CDrom was not the problem.
Could it be really te MB the problem here?

Thanks in advance guys :)

JDL

 
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I would suggest different memory as a first step in diagnosis. And possibly download and use memtest.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.
 
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javierdl
In order of probability:

Memory
Cdrom
The OS disk
IDE cable
CPU
HDD
Motherboard

But as you have already checked several of the above I also suggest memory followed by a damaged CPU before the motherboard.
Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.
 
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I suspect Mem too;
I noticed this though;
"successfully installed XP there, but when moving the HD back to its original PC it wouldn't be able to load WinXP (the screen was solid black)"
It won't boot with diff hardware configured from setup on a diff box....I mean it may sputter and work out the kinks IF most of the hardware's the same, but in general, at the least a Repair install needs to be done. HAL also needs to be he same.

TT4U

Notification:
These are just my thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions.
Backup All Important Data/Docs
 
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Thanks a lot Paparazi & TekTipp4U :)

P, seeing your "probability list" makes me see that I was right on some of my guesses (were I to make one of my own), but quite off on others. So is definetely good to see yours to compare and see how off I was.

Excuse my ignorance TekTipp4U, but what is "HAL"?

Thanks,

JDL


 
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Try replacing the power supply unless it's new or fairly new. I've seen similiar problems because the power supply has gotten old and was beginning to fail.
 
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JDL,
See this for a definition on HAL:

One of the first things I would check (since it's the easiest) is the IDE configuration of your hard drive. Make sure that it's the only device on the cable jumpered as master (you can add others later after installation completes). Also, since it's the only drive on the cable, make sure it is using the end connector on the IDE cable and not the middle one. Sometimes using the middle connector will cause access to the drive to go in and out.

Do the same with your CD-ROM.

Secondly, why are you initiating Windows 2000 setup from a DOS prompt? Instead, you should be trying to boot from the CD-ROM. Change the boot order in the BIOS to get it to work.

I like paparazi's list, but I would re-order it from least effort to most expensive, instead of least likely to most likely:

IDE configuration - check jumpers and cable position
IDE cable - swap it out for a new one
Test Memory - if you have more than one module, try leaving only one in during installation (try each one by one if needed, in case one's defective). The memory test would also help here. I wouldn't actually purchase replacement memory yet at this point.
Copy Files - in case it is a CD-ROM access issue, see if you can do an xcopy of the 2000 CDROM setup files to your hard drive and run it from there. You only need to replace the CD-ROM drive if you are unable to copy from CD to hard drive. Search the net for help on xcopy.
Replace Win2K disc
Replace Memory
Re-seat CPU - make sure there is good contact between the CPU and heatsink. Search the net about Artic Silver which is one of the better thermal grease brands out there.
Replace Hard drive - not necessary since it works in another PC
Replace CPU - or try it in another system if that's an option.
Replace Motherboard


~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884
 
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I guess the memory was not the problem. Although one is encouraged to run MemTest for longer, according to its manual, one should find most memory problems within one hour. And I have certainly ran it for over an hour now :( (3650 cycles / 1750% coverage)

cdogg, thanks for your list version, it never hurts to have a different point of view ;)
I did check the IDE config already (HD & CDrom), and it is as it should.
I still have to test the IDE cable, and the CPU.
Everything else but the MB has been tested so far.

JDL


 
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As for testing the IDE cable, when I went to borrow it from my own pc I realized there are 2 IDE cables:
- the one for the HDs,
- and the one for the CDroms.

The one for the HDs has one end in blue, while the other IDE cable has it in like reddish pink.
Does it matter which cable I borrow?

On a diff note, in the past I have placed both the HD & the CDrom in the same cable (master & slave), but just in case I rather ask now: should I put them on separate cables? Or is that ok?

JDL

 
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The one with the blue connector should be the newer one. As long as you are using an 80-wire cable, you should be OK. Check out this page:

You'll see why you shouldn't be using the middle connector when a drive is by itself. It also explains the color coding.


"[blue]should I put them on separate cables?[/blue]"

Yes, especially if the secondary IDE is not in use. It is better to give each device its own controller, which will help in transfer times between devices. The 80-conductor cable is definitely needed for the hard drive, but is likely optional for the CD-ROM.


~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884
 
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cdogg;
thanks for the HAL fill-in info (been busy)

javierdl;
Also - are you able to Boot from CDROM?
Have ONLY Keyboard, Monitor and Mouse during install?(USB peripherals especially will munge the setup concerning drivers)
Are you using a Manu HDD setup utility? such as MaxBLast or EZBIOS?
Is the BIOS up to date?
Does the Mobo show any "leakage" or brownish/reddish substance oozing from Mobo capacitors, or and bulging of caps
Is the BIOS's IDE config for PriMas (HDD) and SecMas (CDROM) set to AUTO - and PriSlave and SecSlave set to Off?
How Old is this Mobo?

TT4U

Notification:
These are just my thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions.
Backup All Important Data/Docs
 
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Boy! I never thought I would learn so much out of one thread ;)
This is great, needless to say.

I've got both IDE cables working.
Now I am about to attempt a reinstall booting from the CDrom as TT4U suggested.

TT4U, yes, I only have plugged the items you mentioned, nothing else.
To format and partitioning I am using Partition Magic.
As for utilities though I have ran the Western Digital Diagnostic Tools, which didn't find a problem.
I don't know if the BIOS is up to date.
And, fortunately the MB doesn't show any signs of degradation like leakage or else.

JDL

 
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"To format and partitioning I am using Partition Magic."
Ok
Blow away old partitions and REBOOT and start fresh using PMagic...the MBR may be munged from all the diff install attempts. Others here have much more PM exp. than I

TT4U

Notification:
These are just my thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions.
Backup All Important Data/Docs
 
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I was speaking too soon when I said the IDE cables were working...
I am using a switch-box to share one monitor with 3 computers, when I switched back to the pc I am repairing the text was somewhat scrambled, more like every line had been added tab spaces, so C:\ instead of being all to the left it was almost to the right end of the screen, and so forth.
I ignored this and attempted to run PMagic anyway, but althouth it did read the floppy it never started it.
Then I rebooted, but got me back to that black screen again.

I don't get it! All I did was change the IDE cables,
- both are 80pins,
- one with a blue end (which I plugged to the primary IDE controller - for the HD),
- and the other one with the pinkish end (which I plugged to the secondary IDE controller - for the CDrom).
- Both devices were placed at the end of each cable.
- Their respective jumpers are correctly set

What am I missing?

You patience is greatly appreciated :)

JDL

 
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Nevermind!
I switched the controllers and it worked :)
Now the Primary controller is used for the CDrom and the 2ndary for the HD. As little sense it makes to me, it is working.
So now I'm back to my original path: erase partitions and make'em again, reboot from CDrom and reinstall.

JDL

 
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Damn!
Ok, the partitions were erased and recreated with a reboot in between.
Then I booted from the CDrom, and the freakin Setup program froze again like before, just when that blue screen shows saying that "Setup is starting Windows" (to see image, use URL given on 1st post).

What now?!! :(

JDL

 
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Do you have another OS CDROM laying around like Win 98, and try it. It may be a bad CDROM OS disk.
 
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